Update: Chinese President arrives in the Island

Chinese President arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago for a two day official visit.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to arrive in the island today for a two day official visit.

The President’s media unit said that bilateral discussions will be held between the two parties at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon.

The two leaders are also scheduled to ink number of agreements which will benefit Sri Lanka.

An MoU will also be signed regarding the proposed Colombo Port-city project.

China has become Sri Lanka’s second largest trading partner and source of import.

Last year saw more than 110,000 visits between the two countries and the number is expected to rise substantially in the coming years.

Chinese companies have taken an active part in a number of infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, making positive contribution to the economic development and improvement of people’s lives in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile issuing a communiqué about the President’s visit to China, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said that China was a long-standing friend of Sri Lanka.

The Opposition Leader noted that a large number of steps had been taken for benefits of understanding between the peoples of both countries.

The Opposition Leader who recalled the history of Red China which rose against imperialist powers, gave details about the “China – Sri Lanka Rubber – Rice Agreement” reached when the US refused to provide surplus wheat to Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile the police said that vehicle movement will be restricted in several roads today and tomorrow in line with the Chinese President’s visit.